Onam 2026: 91 Kozhikode local bodies to compete in Pookalam contest
As part of the Onam celebrations, 91 local self-government institutions in Kerala's Kozhikode district will participate in a Pookalam (floral carpet) competition organised by the Department of Tourism, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and the district administration.
The competition will see grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities, and the Kozhikode Corporation compete in 11 clusters. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the event aims to bring all local bodies in the district onto a common platform to showcase their creativity and celebrate the festival.
The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a trophy. The second and third placed teams will be awarded ₹50,000 and ₹25,000 respectively, along with trophies. Special trophies and certificates will also be given to the top three teams in various categories.
The judging process will include live video monitoring, geotagged photographs, video scanning, and physical verification to ensure transparency. The competition will follow an environment-friendly approach, with participants required to use only natural materials. Plastic, artificial colours, and synthetic materials are strictly prohibited.
Registration is open until August 21 at the office of the Joint Director of the Local Self Government Department. The competition will be held on August 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Each local body may field a team of three to five members.
The event is expected to highlight the collective creativity and environmental consciousness of local self-government institutions as part of the Onam celebrations in the district.
